The check engine light in a BMW X5 can come on and off intermittently for several reasons: worn spark plugs can cause issues in the combustion process; a loose gas cap prevents the system from properly monitoring emissions; and failed sensors like the mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor interfere with the engine's management of air and fuel levels. When the check engine light is behaving intermittently, it's important to have a mechanic diagnose the problem to determine the root cause and make any necessary repairs.